Max Verstappen has responded to Zak Brown’s comments about his racing tactics by labelling the McLaren Formula 1 CEO’s career as a driver a “failure”.
The Red Bull driver was crowned a four-time World Champion in Las Vegas after finishing ahead of his title rival Lando Norris in the McLaren.
Norris and Verstappen had many heated moments throughout the 2024 F1 season; in Austria, the US and, most importantly, Mexico.
The pair clashed at the Mexico City Grand Prix where Verstappen was punished with two 10-second time penalties for two separate incidents with Norris.
The British driver went on to finish second behind the eventual winner Carlos Sainz, whilst Verstappen ended in sixth place as his points lead was reduced.
Following the race at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Brown criticised the Dutchman’s behaviour.
“He’s such an awesome racing driver that I just don’t think he needs to drive like that,” Brown told Viaplay.
“Just drive like the World Champion you are. It was unnecessary, puts everybody at risk and it’s not clean racing.”
It seems Verstappen hasn’t forgotten those words, as in a recent clip from a Viaplay documentary, Verstappen, whilst laughing, responded to Brown’s comments.
“I always find that really funny, coming from someone that failed himself in racing,” he said.
Brown vs Verstappen: The war of words rages on
It is not the first time this duo has clashed, as Brown previously made comments about Red Bull in Austria after the collision between Norris and Verstappen.
Brown attacked the Milton Keynes-based outfit for its “win-at-all-costs” mentality, adding: “Nasty is not how McLaren goes racing.”
Verstappen also confronted the McLaren leader after his crowning moment in Vegas, reminding Brown that he once said that he could only win a title in the best car.
As Brown congratulated the newly crowned champion, Verstappen replied: “And like you said, before I could only win it in the fastest car!”
Meanwhile, the 53-year-old backed Norris to fight Verstappen for the 2025 F1 title having learnt from the experiences of 2024.
“Lando has learned a lot on how to race Max,” Brown added.
“Max is transparent on how he races; try and pass down the outside… he’s not letting you past around the outside.
“I think Lando put up a great fight in Mexico but also kept them out of an accident.”
“I think he knows where and how to race Max, and I think he’ll race him differently next year.”
READ MORE: Christian Horner tips Max Verstappen and Lando Norris friendship to be ‘under pressure’
Discussion about this post